?? Celebrating 10 years of my life in London!

Picture this: a decade ago, I left Modica (my home town in Sicily) and stepped onto the bustling streets of London with few hundred euros in my pocket and a determination that would ultimately reshape my destiny.

From starting to work as a waiter in a Turkish restaurant, to flipping burgers at McDonald's, and brewing coffee at Starbucks, I took on multiple jobs while pursuing my studies full-time in order to pay my expenses and bills.

This period taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and the importance of being proactive in shaping my own fate. Here are 10 lessons I've learned in the last decade:

?? Lesson 1: Hard Work Will Pay Off

The sweat I poured into every shift, the late nights spent studying, and the relentless drive to excel were not in vain. My journey is a testament to the fact that hard work, even in the most challenging circumstances, will always lead to remarkable outcomes. The skills I honed during those days of hustle and determination would later serve as the bedrock for my career.

?? Lesson 2: The Global Tapestry of Friendship

While navigating the fast-paced life of a student and a working professional, I discovered the beauty of having friends from all corners of the world. My experiences were enriched by the diverse perspectives and cultures that surrounded me. These friendships became a source of inspiration, a reminder that unity in diversity can lead to incredible growth and personal development. London, a truly global city where it doesn't matter where you come from, but rather the effort you put in, reinforced the power of connections that transcended borders.

?? Lesson 3: Consistency over Motivation

In the journey of a decade, I faced moments when motivation wavered. I learned that motivation is not always a constant flame, but rather a flickering ember. However, I embraced the philosophy of giving my best effort regardless of the circumstances. This resilience and dedication pushed me through tough times and propelled me towards my goals.

?? Lesson 4: Embrace Mistakes as Stepping Stones

Amidst the triumphs, there were moments of missteps and decisions that didn't lead where I initially hoped. Yet, I understood that being too hard on myself is counterproductive. Every choice I made was based on the best information available at that time. These moments were not failures, but rather opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow into the person I am today.

?? Lesson 5: Embracing Humility in Success

As my journey progressed, I realized that humility in success is as important as persistence in challenges. Staying grounded and appreciating the journey's ups and downs kept me connected to my beginnings and always reminds me that I did not make it entirely on my own: some people took a chance on me, and I will always be grateful for it.

? Lesson 6: Paying It Forward

As I achieved my goals, I understood the significance of giving back. I learned that helping others and sharing my experiences not only nurtured a sense of community but also helped some friends making truly life changing decisions and even landing their dream job.

?? Lesson 7: Balancing Ambition and Patience

Ten years taught me that while ambition fuels growth, patience fuels wisdom. Striking the right balance between pushing my limits and waiting for the right opportunities allowed me to make steady progress without sacrificing my values.

?? Lesson 8: ABC - Always Be Curious

Whether it's about getting to know people's life stories or being open to learning, remaining curious became my guiding principle. I discovered that each story and experience, whether big or small, had something to teach, and this mindset fueled my personal and professional growth.

??? Lesson 9: Embracing Positivity in Every Storm

A decade of adventure wasn't all smooth sailing. There were times when the journey felt like navigating through a thunderstorm. But amidst the challenges, I learned that staying positive is like having an umbrella during a downpour. Embracing positivity and believing that even the darkest clouds have a silver lining helped me weather the worst storms. As I learned to dance in the rain, I discovered that sooner or later, the sun breaks through, bringing a brighter day.

?? Lesson 10: Celebrating the Journey

As I celebrate my 10-year milestone, I'm reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embracing the highs, lows, successes, and challenges allows me to relish in the growth, transformation, and the incredible experiences that have shaped my life in London.

So, here's to me — a believer in the strength of positivity, hard work and kindness. With a heart full of gratitude, I can wholeheartedly say that moving to London has been the greatest decision of my life. May the path ahead be as fulfilling and enlightening as the one I've traveled so far. Thank you, London! ??????????